In the minds of many, one is either dependent upon intellect or emotion in matters of religion. To these people, the two are diametrically opposed to one another. However, nothing could be further from the truth. In fact, God’s word requires both the use of intellect and emotion in the course of becoming and faithfully serving as one of His redeemed.

Consider first the use of the intellect. Many will scoff at any emphasis on closely adhering to exactly what God’s word says, claiming that what is in your heart is of greater importance than being sure you are doing absolutely what God said. Friends, Christianity is a religion dependent upon the use of intellect. Far to many people depend entirely upon their feelings. Jesus said, “No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day. It is written in the prophets, And they shall be all taught of God. Every man therefore that hath heard, and hath learned for the Father, cometh unto me” (John 6:44-45). Notice the words, “taught” and “learned”. Both are connected to intellect, not emotion. Jesus also pointed out that, “Ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:32). He did not say, ye shall feel the truth, but ye shall know the truth. Once again, it is the intellect that must be applied in ascertaining what truth is. Pilate once asked Jesus, “What is truth?” (John 18:38). Jesus had already answered that question in His prayer on the behalf of His apostles (John 17:17). “Knowing” God’s word is “knowing” the truth, and one must use their intellect in order to know.

However, emotion is clearly impressed upon the mind (intellect) of man as an indispensable element in becoming and faithfully serving as one of God’s redeemed. In the initial salvation of man, the honesty and sincerity of heart is a must. Paul said, “…ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you. Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness” (Rom. 6:17-18). One can certainly have all the intellectual knowledge of God without one bit of belief in or determination to live as God has instructed. Unless one has a good and honest heart, his knowledge will be profitless. In the parable of the soils, Jesus pointed out that the seed that fell, “on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience” (Luke 8:15). When speaking of worship Jesus said, “God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth” (John 4:24). The “in truth” part of that concerns that which the intellect has shown to be according to His commands. But, the “in spirit” part concerns the emotional aspect of worship. One can go through all the outward actions of worship while never worshiping God as He has commanded. The emotional aspect must be present to fulfill God’s command.

We conclude that true Christianity is dependent upon both the intellect and the emotions. One must use his or her intellect to ascertain God’s specified wishes and then believe and obey those wishes with all their heart.

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